The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the workplace, ushering in widespread remote working.
- A recent survey indicates nearly 50% of workers would resign if mandated to work in-office five days a week.
- The survey reveals a significant demand for workplace perks to encourage physical attendance.
- Younger employees strongly believe in the necessity of workplace benefits to lure them back.
- Flexible working remains a top priority, reflecting a shift towards hybrid employment models.
The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the way people approach work, with remote and hybrid models becoming prevalent. This shift is evidenced by a recent survey from Office Freedom, which explored current attitudes towards office work environments in 2024. Nearly 50% of the surveyed population expressed their willingness to abandon their positions if required to return to a traditional five-day office schedule, highlighting a substantial resistance to pre-pandemic work norms.
According to the survey, 48.2% of respondents agreed with the statement, “Being told to come into the office five days a week again would make me quit my job.” Of these, 16.6% strongly agreed, while 31.6% somewhat agreed. In contrast, only 24.4% disagreed, and 27.4% neither agreed nor disagreed. These statistics clearly illustrate a strong preference for flexible work arrangements among the workforce, reinforcing the growing demand for hybrid working options.
The demand for workplace perks has surged as employers attempt to attract and retain staff while encouraging physical office presence. Approximately 49.7% of survey participants expressed a desire for employers to offer incentives aimed at enticing workers to increase their office attendance. Interestingly, this sentiment is particularly strong among younger workers, with 70% of those aged 18-24 supporting the idea, compared to only 33.5% of respondents aged 55 and above.
The survey also identified the most appealing benefits that could draw employees back to the office. Early finishes topped the list, with nearly half of respondents (49.5%) interested in this option. Other popular perks included subsidised lunches (39.2%), subsidised travel (38.8%), and flexible hours for those with childcare responsibilities (36.4%). Less favoured incentives were more social events (24.6%), guaranteed desk space (22%), and subsidised gym memberships (18.2%).
A spokesperson from Office Freedom reflected on these findings, commenting, “Attitudes toward working environments have transformed over the past few years.” They highlighted that the willingness of nearly half the respondents to leave their jobs underscores the strong demand for hybrid working models. The spokesperson also noted the significant support among younger workers for employer-provided perks, suggesting an increasing focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.
The survey underscores the critical need for businesses to adapt to evolving work preferences, prioritising flexibility and employee incentives.
